2. Division Qualification Overview

Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are reportedly set to miss out on England's 2026 World Cup squad, with Thomas Tuchel's final 26-man list being leaked ahead of Friday's official announcement. Luke Shaw is also expected to join Manchester United team-mate Harry Maguire in being omitted from the squad for the tournament in North America.

Barcelona winger Raphinha has opened up about his 2022 departure from Leeds United, revealing he turned down lucrative offers from London's premier clubs – widely understood to be Chelsea and Arsenal – to secure a move to the Camp Nou. In a new interview, the Brazil international labelled his choice as the greatest decision of his professional career.

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has confirmed that Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has played his final match for the club following a sentimental farewell at Old Trafford. Casemiro, who has been heavily linked with a move to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, will not be part of the squad for the Red Devils' season finale against Brighton.

U.S. Men's National Team defender Chris Richards is facing a race against time to be ready for the upcoming Conference League final, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner revealed on Thursday. The American defender suffered an ankle injury in a recent match against Brentford, and that injury could impact World Cup preparation for the U.S. men's national team star.